Attitude
Attitude questions test how you behave towards other road users. The examiner is looking for patience, restraint and predictability: the driver who gives way when it costs nothing, who does not retaliate, and who never uses the vehicle to make a point. Most of these questions are decided by one simple idea - safety beats being right.
Space and patience
Following too closely is the attitude fault that causes the most collisions. Tailgating intimidates the driver in front, blocks your view and leaves you nowhere to go when they brake. If another driver overtakes you, hold a steady speed and course; speeding up to close the gap is both dangerous and bad-tempered. Behind learners, delivery vans and cyclists, wait for a gap you can actually see, then pass with plenty of room.
Courtesy that does not create danger
Never wave a pedestrian across a crossing - another driver may not have stopped and you are not in a position to promise them safety. Slow for puddles so you do not splash people at the kerb. Use the horn only to warn of your presence, not to hurry someone along or to protest. Dip your headlights for oncoming and following traffic, and switch fog lights off once visibility improves. When an emergency vehicle approaches, make way if you can do so safely and legally: do not mount the pavement, jump a red light or put anyone else at risk to clear a path.
If someone behaves badly
Stay calm. Do not respond with gestures, horn or eye contact, and do not chase or block them; let them go. If you believe you are being followed, drive to a busy public place or a police station rather than home, and stay in the vehicle.
Worked example
A driver behind is inches from your bumper and flashing to get past on a narrow street. The safe answer is not to brake sharply to 'teach them a lesson' - that risks a rear-end collision and would be your fault. Keep a steady speed and, where it is safe and legal, pull over briefly and let them pass. You lose a few seconds and remove the hazard.
Traps that cost marks
- Waving pedestrians across instead of letting them judge for themselves.
- Flashing headlights to invite a driver out of a side road.
- Accelerating while being overtaken.
- Using the horn or engine to show displeasure.